One of my fellow bloggers (Alana Mautone, RamblinGarden) always presents music to her readers on Mondays. I will also do that today.
After a little side journey.
After all, today is Halloween, the 31st day of October. This was an event for which I was not allowed to participate. After all, it was not our holiday. But, it was my parent’s wedding anniversary. (It was not a holiday to them, so it was a convenient day to get married.) The 28th day of Tishrei, the week we read about Noah and the Flood, and a Sunday afternoon, to boot. Today would have been their 74th anniversary.
Now, back to the music I will discuss.
This past weekend one of my early rock and roll (and rockabilly) favorites passed away at the age of 87. While his music was great and his concerts very dramatic, his personal choices in morality left more than a little to be desired. (He married his 13 y old cousin, shot his bass player, created a ruckus at Graceland, married 7 times… What? that’s not enough?)
Of course, I am talking about the very talented Jerry Lee Lewis. The hard living, hard rocking rebel of the 1950s and 1960s. I fell in love with him- and his antics- when I heard his first two hits. Great Balls of Fire and a Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.
Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Elvis Presley were the pioneers of rock and roll and rockabilly and were among the Sun’s first artists. (Carl Perkins was among them, but not as “in your face” as the rest of this clan.)
Jerry Lee was also one of the first rock artists who ran afoul of the IRS. (He was found not guilty of evading taxes- it was his agents that created the problem- but he still owed the IRS more than ½ million in 1984! [He eventually filed bankruptcy- TWICE- to clear up some of these problems.])
Jerry Lee Lewis was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for its inaugural selection back in 1986. By then, he managed to create 26 hits on Billboards Top 10 charts from 1968 to 1981. He was among the oldest active performers (which probably is why he was also granted a lifetime achievement award at the 2005 Grammy’s).
I’m guessing he’s now creating a ruckus at the Pearly Gates. He will be missed.
These artists are when music was great but what a life Jerry Lee Lewis had! Happy Heavenly Anniversary to your parents, they are slow dancing (or maybe a bit of rockabilly) on their 74th anniversary.
It was always hard keeping up with Jerry Lee Lewis’ antics, Martha.
It is sad that jerry lee lewis passed away this week. He certainly lead a colorful life; it makes my life look dull and boring in comparison (and I am ok with that!)
Jerry Lee Lewis was one of the first true rock and rollers. He was a pioneer in the genre, and his influence is still felt today. He had a unique style that was both exciting and dangerous. His life was full of controversy, and he often found himself in the headlines.
Jerry Lee Lewis will be missed by many. His music will continue to influence future generations. His legacy is one of talent, controversy, and excitement.
Thanks for those great additions to the conversation, Paul. Hope you liked him!
Thanks for enlightening my day with the post about Jerry Lee Lewis. I learned a few things today. I enjoyed the videos watching his finger dance over the keyboard!
A true showman. (Maybe even a little too glitzy, Lisa!)
I honestly thought he’d passed away in the late 80’s! RIP to a hell-raiser. His lifestyle was problematic, but his music was divine.
That’s probably because he was unable to perform after his stroke, so you didn’t see him readily available.
While I might have heard a few of his songs growing up in India, I only heard it knowing it was Jerry Lee Lewis after I moved to the US. His music is definitely energetic!
That’s for sure, Vidya. He was a supreme entertainer.
Thank you for the shoutout, Roy! I feel truly honored. Jerry Lee Lewis was certainly the dictionary definition of “colorful life”. And, what a talent he was. Can you even imagine what his career would have been like with a little less of that color (especially the marriage to his young cousin, which turned a lot of people off to him). Rock and Roll Heaven has to be hoppin’ and shakin’ right now!
I love your Monday posts, Alana! I am always tempted to join, but I have other items that may need to appear on Mondays, so I procrastinate.
Yes, I always wonder if Jerry Lee would have been bigger than Elvis if he played more by the rules of those in power.